Cherokee, NC, and Back to Maggie Valley

After our adventurous trip through the mountains, we found ourselves dumped on a road with no directions on how to get to the promised destination of Cherokee, NC. We ended up going in circles until we stopped to ask for directions. Pretty poor planning on someone's part to just end the trail without providing a way back to town. But, eventually we found our way. We finally found Mingus Mill Falls, too, but we hadn't eaten lunch, so it wasn't a good time to stop. It is nowhere near where the map shows it - we'd never have found it if we hadn't been lost! Maybe next time we visit the area we will finally get to see the falls!

Coming through Cherokee, we passed this incredible carved Indian.

We also found Roland's Diner. Looks like a place Grandpa Stephens would have loved!

On our way back to Maggie Valley, we stopped at the Mountaineer Restaurant for a very late lunch and had the place to ourselves. They were playing album cuts from the 60's and 70's on the radio. Just our kind of place!

Fantastic view from our lunch table!

This little beggar didn't eat much, but he was pretty cute! :)
After lunch, we did a little shopping in Maggie Valley, then went back to the motel - just before the rain returned!

We had a great last day. This week flew by. We have had a wonderful time. This side of the Smokies is really enjoyable - not nearly as crowded. We haven't had to wait in lines at restaurants. There's no bumper-to-bumper traffic in the mountains. It has been heavenly. This one is definitely a do-over. Someday!

Tomorrow, we head for home - via the scenic route through Gatlinburg.